Soil biological responses to, and feedbacks on, trophic rewilding

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Soil Science
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Trophic rewilding aims to restore biodiversity and ecological interactions through species reintroduction.
• The impact of trophic rewilding on soil ecosystems remains largely understudied.
• Soil organisms perform vital functions, influencing overall ecosystem health and rewilding success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on how rewilding affects soil structure, processes, and communities.
• To explore the reciprocal interactions between soil biota and above-ground species in rewilding contexts.
• To identify uncertainties and implications of soil responses for rewilding strategies under global change.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis of existing research on animal-soil interactions.
• Analysis of potential impacts of large herbivores and predators on soil properties.
• Examination of soil biota's influence on plant communities and ecosystem functions.

Main Results:

• Large herbivores can influence soil decomposers and plant-soil interactions, potentially affecting carbon sequestration.
• Interactions between herbivores and soil biota (e.g., fungi, dung beetles) can promote native plants and ecosystem heterogeneity.
• Significant uncertainty exists regarding soil responses and feedbacks to rewilding efforts.

Conclusions:

• Integrating soil ecology into rewilding research is essential for a comprehensive assessment of benefits and drawbacks.
• Considering above-ground and below-ground linkages is critical for effective rewilding strategies.
• Soil biota manipulation (reinoculation) could be a complementary approach to achieve trophic rewilding objectives.